These traditional baby names are set to become ‘extinct’ in Ireland because parents won’t use them

Some interesting names on this list.

For any expectant parents, the task of naming a child is always a difficult one and even if you don’t have a kid, it’s very likely that you’re perceptive to more popular baby names that seem to be far more prevalent than others.

For example, in recent years,  Jack, James and Conor have always proven to be popular for newborn boys in Ireland. As for the girls, Emily, Grace and Ava are usually found in the top five.

But what about those names that aren’t as popular?

Well, Ancestry.ie have undertaken some extensive research to discover the Irish forenames that are are quickly dying out.

During their research, they found that names such as Doreen, Ethel, Norman and Herbert are quickly dying out, with some of them even becoming ‘extinct’. The research also gives us an insight into booming names – aka, names that are growing in popularity.

In terms of the methodology that’s used, they compared various online birth records to measure the popularity of forenames over the past 100 years. For example, in 1917, over 11,000 new-born Irish girls were given the name Mary. In 2017, only 64 girls received the first name.

Over the same time period, John was the most popular boys name in 1917 but by 2017, it had fallen to 22nd most popular. Names including Ethel, Sheila, Garrett and Herbert are among those that have become ‘extinct’.

The most ‘critical’ names on the list are those that have seemingly disappeared (by not being selected as first names for new babies) and they include Gertrude, Ethel and Muriel for girls. As for boys, Herbert, Norman and Cecil are in danger of never being used again.

Aside from this, there are some names that whilst still being used, are significantly less common and tend to dip in and out of fashion. These names are identified as being ‘at risk.’

For example, boys names such as William and Patrick have fallen by 96% and 95% respectively. In terms of female names, Ellen, Elizabeth and Annie have fallen by 97%, 96% and 95% respectively.

Ancestry spokesperson Russell James said: “Whilst we know no name can ever truly become extinct, it’s fascinating to look at the names which have gone out of fashion and those that have boomed in the last 100 years. It would be uncommon to meet a new-born Mary, Margaret or John today while babies with the name Emily or Jack can be found around the country.”

Many popular names from the early 20th century have also evolved to their shorter form, which has replaced their previous name in popularity. This trend has seen Alex overtake Alexander, Theo overtake Theodore and Charlie become far more popular now than Charles. The same applies to girls’ names, with Catherine making way for Kate and Ella overtaking Eleanor.

Below is a list of extinct names (None recorded in last five birth records)

Male – Herbert, Norman, Cecil, Bartholomew, Leslie, Cyril, Reginald, Donald, Sylvester, Wallace and Garrett.

Female – Gertrude, Ethel, Eveline, Muriel, Gladys, Sheila, Marion, Doreen, Wilhelmina, Doris, Edna, Letitia, Margaretta and Fanny.

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